The PROMPT BOLUS study concluded enrollment on October 31, 2025.
Overall, 9041 patients were enrolled in 47 emergency departments around the world. The results showed that normal saline and balanced fluids were both safe and effective in treating pediatric sepsis. Children assigned to each study fluid had similar outcomes in terms of survival, risk of kidney problems and serious complications, with no clear advantage of one fluid over the other. This means that the standard fluids doctors already use to treat pediatric sepsis appear to be equally safe and effective, giving clinicians flexibility to choose either option while continuing to focus on rapid recognition and overall high-quality sepsis care.